Glaucous-winged Gulls are large birds (20-23 in, 47-56 in wingspan) found year-round on the north Pacific coast. They rarely head inland. Some spend the summer along the coast of Alaska and northern British Columbia, heading to Oregon and California for the winter. Others remain year-round along the west coast from Alaska to Washington.
Gulls are long-winged, white birds with gray and black markings. It can be difficult to tell them apart as they take up to 4 years to develop their adult plumage. In addition, gulls often mate with each other, so there are hybrids with characteristics of two species.
Glaucous-winged Gulls have wing tips that are only slightly darker than their gray back. They have pink legs and a red spot on a yellow beak.
Could it be? Western Gulls have a darker back and wing tips and can be found from southern British Columbia to Baja. They hybridize with Glaucous-winged Gull in the northern end of their range so there are many intermediates.
Did you know? Glaucous-winged Gulls eat a variety of food, including live Pigeons and Rabbits.
See Also: California Gull, Herring Gull, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull
